Why we laugh, by Lil',

Hi, it's Lil',
I love to laugh, but why do we laugh?

Laughter is a reflex, mostly a sense of gaiety, it is linked to its opposite, sadness... and sometimes we cry and we laugh at the same time!
Humour, tickling or even another laugh are the main causes of the sequence of these small jerky expirations accompanied by more or less noisy inarticulate vocalizations.
The stress can also cause laughter, it's called nervous laugh.
As for me, Lil', I laugh for all reasons and especially in comical situations.
And you, what makes you laugh?
                                                                         Lil'


Thank you Lil' for this, not very personal, but quite informative article on laughter! We would have liked to know more about those comical situations you alluded to! Maybe next time?
And you, dear reader, what makes you laugh?
As for me, TV series like The Big Bang Theory make me laugh a lot!!!
                                                                       
                                                                        Mrs P.

Yesterday was Martin Luther King Day in the USA!

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King's birthday, January 15.
King was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King's honor began soon after his assassination in 1968.

The famous "I have a dream " speech

It was first observed on January 20, 1986. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.


Abridged from Wikipedia
by Mrs P

A film I love: Willow, by Jules

Willow is a 1988 American fantasy film , directed by Ron Howard and produced by George Lucas.
Willow is a young farmer/apprentice wizard who one day meets Hadmortigan, a great swordman and together they journey through a world of magic and also monsters, to save a baby princess from death at the hands of an evil queen.
This film is 126 mn long and if you are a fan of fantasy films it's for you!

I really liked this film when I was little, it was my favourite film, I've watched it maybe 1000 million times and I found it funny, and scary as well at that time, but just a little bit.

Enjoy, and give your impressions about the film !

Jules

I've never seen this film but now I think I will try to watch it. What about you?
Mrs P.

Bourges Springtime Music Festival a.k.a "Le Printemps de Bourges" , by Agie

Every springtime, this annual music festival takes place in Bourges. Since its creation 35 years ago, this festival has become a major event in France and in Europe which welcomes every year more and more visitors, on average over 200,000 people (mainly young people, 91% are under 35).
During these days, over 200 artists are present and give more or less 60 concerts. The people can also discover a lot of stalls, bars, and restaurants in the city center, and attractions and three free outdoor stages nearby.
The particularity of this festival is that it's grouping together all musical genres and it receives professionals but it also allows young talents to be discovered.
This year, for the 2012 edition, the complete programation will be revealed on February 24th. In the meantime, all the future visitors are impatient. It seems that it will be an dynamic springtime once again!

See you there,

Agie

For more information
http://www.printemps-bourges.com/fr

Would you like some King's cake?

In January, in France , we all enjoy a "Galette des Rois"

with a trinket ("fève") 

                                                                  in it that makes you King or Queen for the day.

What about other culinary traditions?

Feel free to share yours in the comments!

Mrs P.

Videogames, by Guigz18

Videogames are becoming more realistic. Indeed we can see it from the latest games at Christmas time. For example the war games like Call of Duty

or Battlefield are changing from year to year. In these two games we find ourselves in the midst of World War III.

The possibility of a Third World War in real life is not inconsiderable, so the scenarios make you think...

There are shocking events such as the destruction of the Eiffel Tower by the Russians.

These are the best selling titles because they attract a predominently young male population fond of online playing (there are about 11,000,000 players).

So the purpose of these games is to have fun but they can also make you think about what could happen...

Guigz18

And what do YOU think about video games? Are you a fan? Share your opinion with us in the comments (remember : to be published you must tick the "anonymous" status, therefore you must add your name to your comment if you don't want to remain anonymous!)

Mrs P. 



HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!

I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and hope to meet you here again soon!
Mrs P.